Home sweet home "The Irresponsible Quest"

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

We are soon leaving Hood River, Oregon on trip driving into Mexico, and most of Central America and back. We will be spending about 4.5 months on the road.

I will be taking my 5 year old son Levi, who is high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, and my 20 year old brother, Donald. We will meet up with a friend, Greg and caravan. Lots of jungles, Mayan ruins, and beaches in our future. Greg is a master diver, kayaker and a surfer.

Believe it or not, we managed to pack; 2 twin-tips, a 6'2" squash, 8'3" longboard, 2 foils, and 9 inflatables. Oh, and our camping gear. we have a spear gun, and fishing gear as well.

This last year Levi learned to ride on a skim board while being pushed around, and loves to ride on my back while kiting. he loves water, and hiking. I hope to teach him to surf while abroad. we are currently swimming 6 days a week at the local pool in preparation for the adventure. he has recently learned to swim a bit on his own, and am now working on getting him in a mask and fins. His school has been very supportive in making sure that I can provide all the services he needs for his development while on the road.

I want to thank all my friends and family for the support needed to make this happen. A big thanks to Windwing, Drops kiteboards, OpenOcean custom boards, and Promotion wetsuits (for Levi's suit), Stewert for the longboard, and to Swell City Carpet. Thank you so much.

Any info, or must see spots any of you know of, would be appreciated.

FunShui · Since 16 Jul 2006 146 Posts Really, really Stoked

That will be an awesome trip for all.

Here is a surf map for Costa Rica to get you started. I can vouch for all the locations in the NW part (Guanacaste) and understand the kiting can be really good there to. You can dive for langostinos and the fishing is good.

Hope you will keep us posted so we can share the stoke.

Here is the map: http://www.centralamerica.com/cr/surf/surfmap.htm

Viajes felices.

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

Levi is one lucky little man! and sounds like your a pretty awsome dad! Have a great trip!

Knot Kracker · Since 02 Jul 2008 130 Posts Clackamas River Stoked

I'll miss you and your bro out in the cold water - BUT, your going to have a great adventure! Have a great time.

Bettyboarder · Wed Feb 04, 09 8:12 am

Sounds like an awesome trip...safe travels to you and your family.

Take lots of picture and keep us updated on your adventure.

forrest · Wed Feb 04, 09 8:25 am

Awesome, You guys have a great trip and be safe! Levi is going to be a monster behind the kite when he's older!

Nak · Wed Feb 04, 09 11:50 am

Wow, what a great experience for all of you!

I gotta say, you are an incredible dad!

railgrab · Since 29 Mar 2005 177 Posts Seattle, WA Stoked

Groundclown, your dedication to Levi inspires me! I look forward to hearing more about your trip. Our own autistic child is 5 and also just learned to swim on her own last week. Whenever we take a trip, her teachers and therapists always comment about the great progression of development afterwards. I hope your adventures give Levi that peace and focus which will benefit him for years to come.

Ethan

bandito · Since 07 May 2005 178 Posts Photographer

You should check out this video. Clay has Asperger's disorder and it might be insperational for both you and your son.

http://surf.quiksilver.com/films/index.aspx

Have a great trip.

Bandito

kyle.vh · Since 11 Jul 2007 713 Posts city of angels Addicted

so cool!
i wish i had done something like that when I was that young.
safe travels.

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

Thanks guys.

I will check out that video, and thanks for the map link. I'm flying to Guanacaste on business (kite) in 2 weeks. I was going to drive, but some how lost the title to my truck. it won't be here until I have to be there. lost a month on the road.

It's taken us about 2 years to get Levi to swim as he does now, but most of the progress came in the last 6 weeks after I finally got him to realize he can hold his breath under water. Sadly, we will be missing a bit of outdoor, and pool time over the next week as Levi came down with bronchitis in the last couple of days. It's been messy, but he doesn't let it get him down. Never have I seen such a happy kid.

I actually quit my job a few weeks ago so I would have more time to prepare, and to spend with Levi. He progresses quite a bit in a short time with my time and dedication. We spend 4-6 days a week at the pool, countless hours of ABA, and physical / occupational therapy. He is progressing in his PEX and sign. He understands way more Spanish than I do. he is even talking a bit more (English), although still only one or two words at a time. This trip is every bit as much for him as it is for me. 4 months of Levi time will be a godsend.

It is a good thing the kite season will be in full tilt when we return as I will be BROKE. Man it will be worth it though.

Thanks for the support,
Jonathon

Ethan- If you live in the Hood area, I would like to hook up sometime as Levi has few friends, and like to talk with other parents of special needs children to discuss things that seem to help, and the various ways of going about them.

I will post updates every time I find a net connection. Lots of pics, and vids. My girlfriend is a writer and is helping me write a book too. "The Irresponsible Quest" It is about my life long addiction to kiting, 19 years in the making. Some of my family and a friend or two think that I am crazy. Well, so be it.

BTW- I've been way to busy, but Why have I not seen any kites on the water? my stuff is packed.

railgrab · Since 29 Mar 2005 177 Posts Seattle, WA Stoked

Jonathan, we live in Seattle, but will definitely have to meet sometime and swap stories about how we balance our recreational lives with the full time job of parenting a special needs child! I thank God that our daughter is also the happiest kid on the planet (is that possible?). When you update us about your travels, I look forward to seeing a shot of you and Levi sharing a wave sometime.

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

Railgrab-

Luckily I work in the kite industry. Otherwise it is very hard to get a session. Often I clock out early and grab an hour before picking up Levi. I spend most my time on (in) the water teaching in the summer. At these times he is at a sitter. He loves to watch, so if the water is at the right level, I ride in the kiddy pool, and boost over him doing land passes. he loves it. I got a few sharp eyes when I took him for a ride on my back at the sandbar this summer, but most people thought it was great. most people know me around here.

I look forward to sharing lots of waves with him, and you can be darn sure you'll see some pics.

I watched Clay's video trailer. at the end it showed "surf healers" surf camps. I am changing my return route to volunteer in California on the way home.

http://www.surfershealing.org/watchvideo.html

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

We are finally off and running. We left Hood River around 5pm last night. We made it to my Grandmothers house near Onterio, Or. We will head to Park City tonight. If my foot heals up from the sting ray I had the pleasure of meeting in Costa Rica, then I may hit the superfly on the way through. I'll post some pics or CR and the first leg of our trip when I get a good net connection.
Jonathon

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

We are now in Tucson and will stay in Patagonia tonight and Sunday. Monday we cross with Burlynomad into Mexico. we re loaded our truck this morning and stuff fits a lot better now. will write tomorrow
Jonathon

Speedo · Since 07 May 2007 264 Posts Obsessed

look forward to hearing more! good luck! have fun!

groundclown · Since 12 May 2007 135 Posts Hood River Stoked

Here is our first day in San carlos, Sonora. 7m sesson. didn't expect that. A prequel and more to follow. should be done with the Costa Rica stuff soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYxUV66UQW0

Mexico is WAY diff than Costa Rica. They are not shy to rip you off. The first toll both guy in hwy15 ripped me off 100 pesos, and I didn't notice until a few km down the road.